Traffic Issues in Singapore

Compared to its neighboring country like Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, Singapore is relatively ahead in terms of traffic ease. Normally driving in Singapore isn’t much of a hassle because of their well thought road network system and smooth road quality.

Singapore is also efficient with the road safety signage and road safety equipments used during construction that redirects vehicle to avoid traffic. The traffic officials are also very strict on abiding and implementing their road safety rules. All of these are done not just to avoid traffic but also to avoid vehicular accidents.

But though Singapore has been one of those ahead in terms of traffic, they also still have some traffic issues that should be taken care of as well.

THE DRIVERS

Drivers in Singapore tend to be defensive at times. They don’t move quickly or pull up at road traffic lights. Most drivers prefer to go to the fast lane without realizing that sometimes it doesn’t make much difference. Consider that most vehicles go to the fast lane and they don’t overtake, then there is a great possibility for congestion. These drivers also are used to taking it slowly while they back their vehicle for a parking slot with the tendency to block the traffic movement on the road. The hassle can be avoided, but the “slow” part of doing it makes it so.

Related to being defensive is their pride, or not wanting to give in or give way. You all know very well that such attributes cause traffic one way or another. Some Singaporean drivers would not care less on giving you a space on the highway especially if they are driving some luxurious vehicle. So much for the “Me First!” sign on their cars. If you encounter a driver like this, think twice of starting an argument as there are big chances you’ll end up in a brawl and you don’t want that to happen especially on the road. You’ll waste the time of many orders.

RESTRICTED AREAS

The city center is one to be considered as the most important restricted area in Singapore. Restriction would mean you would have to pay additional road tax to get in the area during work hours on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays). There are also some parts of the highway that are restricted on rush hours. You can pay the additional road tax through the ERP system or Electronic Road Pricing. This system, with the help of a radio communication system, deducts the ERP charges from cash cards. Each car has what they call an IU or In-vehicle Unit. It is a device on the windscreen that includes the cash card. The charges range from $0.50 to $2.50.